Chemoprevention by α-Santalol on UVB Radiation-induced Skin Tumor Development in Mice

Abstract

Studies have shown the chemopreventive effects of α-santalol on chemically and UVB-induced skin cancer in mice. The objective of the present investigation was to find the lowest effective concentration of α-santalol for the chemopreventive effects on UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice and to determine antiperoxidant effect of α-santalol in order to elucidate its possible mechanism of action. Female SKH-1 mice were divided into different groups receiving either vehicle alone or different concentrations of α-santalol. Mice in all the groups were initiated and promoted with UVB radiation for skin tumor development. The promotion phase continued for 30 weeks. Skin tumors were counted once a week for 30 weeks. Lipid peroxidation was assayed in skin and liver microsomes by measuring malonaldehyde formed using thiobarbituric acid method. Topical administration of α-santalol reduced UVB-induced skin tumor development in a concentration-dependent manner. Application of α-santalol (5%) significantly (p<0.05) delayed skin tumor development for 25 weeks and reduced tumor multiplicity. α-Santalol also inhibited in vitro lipid peroxidation in skin and liver microsomes. α-Santalol application prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development possibly by acting as an antiperoxidant.